ISLAMABAD, April 6: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has termed Pope John Paul?s death a graet loss to the entire world. In a statement issued here Wednesday the prime minister said: ?His Holiness was a man of peace, harmony, tolerance and sensitivity. ?He worked hard for making the world a more peaceful place and to give the deprived people their due right.

?We in Pakistan share your grief and pray that His Holiness soul rest in peace. Enlightened moderation and interfaith harmony is essential for peace and development. We need to embrace all humanity so as to build a better, peaceful and progressive world.?

These remarks were recorded by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz when he visited the Embassy of the Holy See here today. His Excellency Arch Bishop Alessandro D?Errico, Ambassador of the Holy See, was also present on the occasion. The Prime Minister said that His Holiness? demise is a tragic loss as he was revered for his devotion to peace and the cause of deprived sections. The Government of Pakistan has sent a high-level delegation under the leadership of Minister for Religious Affairs, Mr. Muhammad Ijazul Haq to attend the funeral in recognition of the respect of His Holiness and what he stood for. The flag of Pakistan will fly half-mast on the funeral day of His Holiness.